If only Democratic lawmakers filed bills to limit the power of Gov. Rick Perry, you could chalk it up to partisan politics. But Perry's performance has ticked off Republican legislators too, and it's getting hard for him to gloss over their push-back.

This session's list includes bills or constitutional amendments that would limit a governor's reign to two terms, or require officials to resign if they run for another office (like president) with less than 13 months on their current term.

Public officials also would be prohibited from billing Texas taxpayers for security costs if they campaign outside the state (such as for president.) Elected officials (like Perry) also would be prohibited from "retiring" from one office, like lieutenant governor, and then collecting a state pension while working at another job, like governor.

These proposals might not become law, but Perry shouldn't ignore them either. He should recognize his need for major change, starting in this session.